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Often paired with lemon or honey, herbal

teas are popularized for their medicinal properties and enchanting fragrances.

Information on brewing temperature and steeping times can be overwhelming, but as a general rule, you should steep tea bags between 3 and 5 minutes. Steeping time has a large effect on both the flavor and health benefits of tea. Over-steeping will cause the tea to become significantly more bitter than it needs to be. More importantly, many of the health benefits of tea decrease as a result of over-steeping. If you’re ever uncertain, the box or tin containing your tea should include instructions on how long you should steep the tea bag to achieve maximum health benefits and greatest flavor.

Herbal Tea

Now that we’ve covered true teas, you may have noticed that some pretty vital teas (peppermint, chamomile, etc.) are missing from the list. This is because all other “teas” that do not fall into one of these five categories do not qualify as true teas, as they do not come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, rendering the phrase “herbal tea” a misnomer. These teas fall into a separate category, the large majority of which are made from herbs and spices, as opposed to the tea plant. Rather, they result from steeping herbs and spices such as mint or chamomile in hot water.

Often paired with lemon or honey, herbal teas are popularized for their medicinal properties and enchanting fragrances. More herbal teas exist than categories of true teas, so we will only cover some of the most important and popular choices as an introduction to the realm of herbal tea. Almost all herbal teas share a few qualities: aid in the prevention of chronic disease, stress-relief and reduction of pain and soreness. An added bonus of herbal teas is that they’re much harder to over-steep than true teas, which means the flavor will not quickly turn bitter if the tea bag is left in for longer than five minutes.

Pure herbal teas and tea blends are distinct from one another, the latter of which feature true teas blended with various herbs and spices. Herbals teas on their own are either naturally caffeine-free or contain trace amounts of the stimulant. However, tea blends will usually have at least some caffeine because their base is a true tea. For instance, a black chai tea blend combines both black tea and chai spices; because black tea has caffeine, the drink will be caffeinated. If you are sensitive to caffeine or are looking for teas to drink closer to bedtime, make sure you either select a purely herbal tea or otherwise a specifically decaffeinated true tea or tea blend. If purchasing tea packets from a grocery store, the box will include a labeled indication if the tea is decaffeinated.

Chamomile Tea

Note: Avoid this herbal tea if you are allergic to pollen and/or ragweed!

Taste Profile: Often described as soft or floral, chamomile tea is as relaxing as it sounds and has a flavor comparable to a crisp apple or light honey.

Health Benefits: Increases calmness; aids sleep; reduces menstrual pain and inflammation; treats cold symptoms; aids in treating generalized anxiety disorder.

Dandelion Tea

Taste Profile: Earthy and sweet

Health Benefits: Increases energy levels; reduces inflammation; detoxifies liver; relieves bloating; reduces hormonal acne; slows aging and increases collagen production

Ginger Tea

Taste Profile: The much milder, herbal taste of ginger tea will surprise those more familiar with the taste of ginger as a spice.

Health Benefits: Boosts immune system; relieves nausea; combats respiratory problems; reduces stress; relieves menstrual pain; eases headaches.

Hibiscus Tea

Taste Profile: Tart, slightly fruity, similar to cranberries

Health Benefits: Helps digestion; contains nutritious minerals and vitamin C; lowers cholesterol; fights bacteria; promotes weight loss.

Lemon Balm Tea

Taste Profile: Citrusy with a hint of mint that makes it slightly sweeter than traditional citruses

Health Benefits: Reduces stress levels without inducing fatigue

Nettle Tea

Taste Profile: Comparable to green tea; grassy and mellow

Health Benefits: Detoxifies the body; supports eye health; treats arthritis pain; clears skin

Peppermint Tea

Taste Profile: Peppermint tea’s taste resembles the traditional peppermint scent. Just like the breath mint, peppermint tea is light and sweet, with a cool and refreshing aftertaste. Health Benefits: Eases muscle soreness; enhances alertness; helps memory; reduces anxiety.

Saffron Tea

Taste Profile: Sweet and distinctive; a flavor between spice and honey

Health Benefits: Releases serotonin (produces feelings of happiness); boosts memory; relieves anxiety and irritability; acts as an aphrodisiac; improves memory in those with Alzheimer’s disease

Turmeric Tea

Taste Profile: Rich and bitter; similar to ginger

Health Benefits: Releases serotonin and dopamine (mood-enhancers); helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease; helps brain-cell growth; lowers inflammation

Beyond these lists awaits an even greater variety of true, herbal, and blended teas, which you can navigate much more knowledgeably when you understand the basics of tea and its categories. The next time you can’t fall asleep, try a soothing cup of chamomile tea. When you need to de-stress without getting sleepy, shoot for some lemon balm tea. Green tea is always a solid go-to, but you probably haven’t yet tried oolong tea, which will enhance your thinking and memory skills. Next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up, you know the tea.